Rowan Rawiri Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Rowan Rawiri Crochet Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Rawiri is a seamless crochet cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson. This garment is worked in a modern construction method that combines bottom-up and flat construction techniques. The cardigan is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements of 81-86 cm (32-34 in), 91-97 cm (36-38 in), 102-107 cm (40-42 in), 112-117 cm (44-46 in), and 122-127 cm (48-50 in), with corresponding finished bust measurements of 108 cm (42½ in), 118 cm (46½ in), 127 cm (50 in), 139 cm (54½ in), and 148 cm (58½ in) respectively.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is worked from the lower body upward. The design utilizes seamless flat construction, which allows the crocheter to work the pieces flat in rows rather than in the round, while still achieving a seamless finish through strategic joining techniques.

The construction process involves three main sections:

• Lower body: Worked flat in rows from a foundation chain, creating the main body of the cardigan
• Sleeve and yoke sections: Two separate sections are crocheted flat and then strategically joined to the lower body using specialized joining methods
• Yoke joining: The two yoke sections are connected to form the centre back seam using double crochet through corresponding stitches, creating a ridge detail on the wrong side

The lower body is constructed by creating a foundation chain and working in rows of double crochet fabric until the desired length is achieved. The sleeve and yoke sections are worked separately using the same double crochet fabric technique, then joined to the lower body using placed markers to ensure proper alignment and fit.

Stitches Used

The Rowan Rawiri cardigan is constructed almost entirely using double crochet (dc) stitches, which create a dense, structured fabric ideal for a tailored cardigan silhouette. The pattern also employs chain stitches (ch) for foundation chains and turning chains, and slip stitches (ss) for joining sections together. The primary stitch—double crochet—is worked consistently in rows to form what the pattern refers to as dc fabric, providing a uniform texture throughout the garment.

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Rawiri cardigan is designed to be worked with Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double-knit weight yarn. The pattern requires 11 x 50gm balls of yarn across all sizes (the photographed sample was worked in Linen 460, a neutral linen-toned colorway). A 3.50mm (US E4) crochet hook is used throughout the entire project for all sections of the cardigan.

The recommended tension is 17 stitches and 23 rows to 10 cm (measured over double crochet fabric using the 3.50mm hook). Achieving proper tension is essential for obtaining the correct finished bust measurements and overall fit of the garment.

Pattern Details

The lower body section begins with a foundation chain of 185 [201: 217: 237: 253] stitches, depending on size. The first row is worked into the second chain from the hook, creating 184 [200: 216: 236: 252] stitches. The lower body is then worked in continuous rows of double crochet fabric until it measures between 26 and 28 cm in length, depending on the size being made.

The sleeve and yoke sections are worked using similar techniques, with the pattern providing specific stitch counts and measurements for each size. Once all sections are complete, they are joined together using double crochet through corresponding stitches, creating a professional finish with minimal seaming required. The yoke sections form the centre back seam through a joining technique that creates a ridge detail on the wrong side of the garment.